ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Stringent Punishment for Sexual Crimes against Children
Death Penalty provisions for Sexual offences against Children
Cabinet approves Amendment in the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences  Act 2012
In a historic decision to protect the children from Sexual offences, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Amendments in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences  Act, 2012. It will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including death penalty. The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography.
Impact
- The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act.
- It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity.
- The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.
Background
The POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to Protect the Children from Offences of Sexual Assault, Sexual harassment and pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest and well-being of children. The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests and welfare of the child as matter of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. The act is gender neutral.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to a mishap at a chemical unit in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a mishap at a chemical unit in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. He also prayed for quick recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
"Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap at a chemical unit in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly: PM @narendramodi"
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
KUSUM Scheme
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has formulated a Scheme ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan ’. The Scheme is currently under the process of seeking approval.
The proposal on KUSUM Scheme provides for :-
 installation of grid-connected solar power plants each of Capacity up to 2 MW in the rural areas;
 installation of standalone off-grid solar water pumps to fulfil irrigation needs of farmers not connected to grid; and
 solarisation of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply and also enable them to sell surplus solar power generated to DISCOM and get extra income.
This information was given by Minister of State for Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Parshottam Rupala in Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
President of Maldives calls on the President
The President of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Solih called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming President Solih at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that she was happy to receive a close friend of India and an eminent leader under whose leadership Maldives has emerged as a stable and prosperous nation.
The President said that Maldives is a major partner and close friend of India in the Indian Ocean Region. The peoples of the two countries have enjoyed strong cultural, economic and trade ties for centuries. Maldives has a special place in India's 'neighbourhood first policy'. She was happy to note that India's need-based financial and development assistance is supporting Maldives government's development priorities.
The President said that the rapid expansion of India-Maldives development cooperation, defence and security initiatives, economic ties and people-to-people contact augurs well for India’s relationship with the Government and people of Maldives. She appreciated the courage and perseverance of the government and people of Maldives during the COVID-19 outbreak. She was happy to note that the strong India-Maldives cooperation during the pandemic has been lauded as a model for the entire region.
The President noted that capacity building has emerged as a major pillar in the India-Maldives partnership. She expressed confidence that MoUs signed during this visit will further strengthen capacity building initiatives in Maldives.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Day 334
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 135 Crore landmark milestone
More than 53 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 135 Crore landmark milestone  today. More than 53 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10385876
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9620979
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18383482
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16726786
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
482450870
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
280671529
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
190538898
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
136396712
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
119089349
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
87532789
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
820848475
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
530948795
|
|
Total
|
|
1351797270
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 15th December, 2021 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
84
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
5527
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
128
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9361
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
956324
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2875855
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
218900
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
782005
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
129243
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
406667
|
|
1st Dose Administered in Total
|
|
1304679
|
|
2nd Dose Administered in Total
|
|
4079415
|
|
Total
|
|
5384094
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ON THE EVE OF GANDHI JAYANTI
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, has issued the following message to the nation on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.
In her message the President has said, “On the occasion of the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, I pay homage to the Father of the Nation on behalf of all fellow citizens.
Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the values of his inspiring life - peace, equality and communal harmony. Observing it this year assumes a special significance as the nation has been celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav, marking 75 years of Independence. This is the time, for all of us, to work towards the realisation of India of Gandhiji’s dreams.
A century ago, Gandhiji inspired millions with his call of Swadeshi and his stress on self-reliance. The making of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, which is under way, is, thus, inspired by the vision of the Mahatma and is intended as a true tribute to him. The India of his dreams is a clean India, a healthy India. The initiatives taken in this regard have been bearing fruits now.
As we enter the Amrit Kaal, the period before the centenary of Independence, it is heartening to note that the young generation too has been taking inspiration from Gandhiji’s works. When the world is going to face more and more complex challenges, his life continues to serve as a lighthouse, helping us negotiate the path amid turbulent waters.
Gandhiji showed to all humanity its true potential, and proved the power of compassion. Let us again take the pledge to walk on his path, the path of truth and non-violence, to promote mutual goodwill and to work towards the progress of the nation and the world”.
Please click here to see the President's message -
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Leadership development measures for youth
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India has taken several initiatives and carried out certain targeted interventions towards increasing leadership skills among the youth of India. Some of the programmesinclude: -
- National Programme for Youth and Adolescent  Scheme which has a component namely ‘Youth Leadership Personality Development Training’ to develop leadership qualities, national character, comradeship and personality development among the rural youth.
- NYKS conducts programmes such as Training on Youth Leadership and Community Development and Nationwide Declamation contest on Patriotism and Nation Buildingto develop leadership and increase leadership skills amongst the youth and to make them responsible citizens.
Necessary campaigns for conduct of these programmes are held.
Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development at Sriperumbuduris conducting various programmes towards increasing leadership skills amongst the youth.During the last two years, RGNIYD conducted the following programmes :- Workshop on Constituency Management; Conference on youth Development; Training of Trainers  on Life Skills and Personality Development; Consultation for Rejuvenation of Youth Clubs; Aakansha Lecture: Youth Leadership Development through Social Action; Entrepreneurship and Rural Development: An exposure visit for delegates from 19 countries; Workshop on Turning Ambitions into Reality, Training on Leadership and Personality Development through Adventure Sports, etc.
Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development  is a statutory institution incorporated under RGNIYD Act, 2012 . It imparts instructions for specified academic degrees. Youth from all over India participate in the programmes conducted by RGNIYD subject to selection process. It conducts various training programme for NSS/NYKS officers and trainees in volunteerism. Besides, the participants invited also belong to the higher secondary level. It has a regional centre at Chandigarh.
This information was given by Minister of State  for Youth Affairs and Sports Col. RajyavardhanRathore  in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Khadi Registers Record Sale; Single-Day Sale at Flagship CP Outlet Crossed Rs 1 cr for 4 times in 40 Days
Overcoming the economic distress and the fear surrounding Corona pandemic, this festive season has yielded great dividends to the Khadi artisans with a record sale of Khadi products. In just 40 days since October 2 this year, Khadi’s single-day sales figure has crossed Rs 1 crore mark for 4 times at the flagship Khadi India outlet at Connaught Place in New Delhi.
On November 13, the total sale at this outlet stood at Rs 1.11 crore, the highest single-day sale figure recorded this year. Ever since the business activities resumed after the lockdown, Khadi sales figure touched Rs 1.02 crore mark on Gandhi Jayanti  this year followed by Rs 1.05 crore sales on October 24 and Rs 1.06 crore on November 7.
Earlier in 2018, the single-day sale had also crossed the Rs 1 crore mark on 4 occasions with the highest single-day sale for the year touching Rs 1.25 crore on October 13. Khadi’s highest ever single-day sale was recorded at Rs 1.27 crore on October 2, 2019. Notably, before 2016 Khadi’s single day sale had never crossed the Rs 1 crore mark. On October 22, 2016, the single day sale at Khadi India outlet in CP had reached Rs 116.13 crore.
KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena attributed the massive sale figures to the frequent appeals of the Prime Minister to promote “Swadeshi”, particularly Khadi. “It is heartening to see a large number of Khadi lovers coming out to support artisans who form the backbone of the Khadi and Village Industries sectors. Despite the pandemic, Khadi artisans kept the production activities going in full vigor and the fellow countrymen have reciprocated with the same zeal,” Saxena said, adding despite the economic slowdown, KVIC has managed to maintain the pace of Khadi’s growth.
The tremendous sale of Khadi products this year assumes greater significance. While almost all activities were suspended during the Covid-19 lockdown, KVIC continued with its diverse activities across the country that includes the manufacturing of face masks and personal hygiene products like hand wash and hand sanitizers apart from a vast range of fabric and village industries products. The lockdown had a severe bearing on the livelihood of Khadi artisans but the Prime Minister’s appeal for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Vocal for Local” infused a new life into the local manufacturing particularly the Khadi and Village Industries sectors.
Khadi’s Single Day Sale Figure:
· October 4, 2014 – Rs 66.81 lakh
· October 2, 2015 – Rs 91.42 lakh
· October 22, 2016 – Rs 116.13 lakh
· October 17, 2017 – Rs 117.08 lakh
· October 2, 2018 – Rs 105.94 lakh
· October 13, 2018 – Rs 125.25 lakh
· October 17, 2018 – Rs 102.72 lakh
· October 20, 2018 – Rs 102.14 lakh
· October 2, 2019 – Rs 127.57 lakh
· October 2, 2020 – Rs 102.24 lakh
· October 24, 2020 – Rs 105.62 lakh
· November 7, 2020 – Rs 106.18 lakh
· November 13, 2020 – Rs 111.40 lakh
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
ENGINEERING CLUSTERS
The Government has set up engineering clusters in the country under the Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme . District-wise details of Engineering Clusters projects set up in the country and funds sanctioned/allocated/released/utilized along with their progress under the scheme is given below:
Completed projects:
Rs. in crore
|
|
Sl.
No.
|
|
Name of the Industrial Cluster
|
|
District
|
|
State
|
|
Date of Approval
|
|
Total Project Cost
|
|
Approved GoI grant
|
|
Released GoI grant
|
|
Date of completion
|
|
1
|
|
Engineering Cluster, Nashik
|
|
Nashik
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
24-03-08
|
|
67.26
|
|
42.88
|
|
42.45
|
|
12-04-13
|
|
2
|
|
Hosur Engineering Industry Cluster
|
|
Krishnagiri
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
01-03-16
|
|
31.306
|
|
7.69
|
|
7.69
|
|
31-08-18
|
|
3
|
|
Sirgitti Engineering Cluster
|
|
Bilaspur
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
10-08-15
|
|
41.76
|
|
8.74
|
|
8.74
|
|
09-01-19
Ongoing Projects:
Rs. in crore
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
Name of the Industrial Cluster
|
|
District
|
|
State
|
|
Date of approval
|
|
Project Cost
|
|
Approved GoI grant
|
|
Released GoI grant
|
|
Physical progress

|
|
1
|
|
Tiruchirapalli Engineering and Technology Cluster
|
|
Tiruchirapalli
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
01-10-10
|
|
102.81
|
|
58.28
|
|
52.45
|
|
77.00%
|
|
2
|
|
Light Engineering Cluster, Nabha
|
|
Patiala
|
|
Punjab
|
|
05-03-15
|
|
39.26
|
|
10.51
|
|
10.51
|
|
85.00%
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Som Parkash, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of External Affairs
Poles in India delegation pay tributes to the soil of Kolhapur
Overwhelmed by the warm welcome in Kolhapur city
Kolhapur
A 27-member Poles in India delegation comprising Polish citizens who took refuge at Valivade in Kolhapur district during World War II, arrived in India today along with their family members. They were accorded a warm welcome in Kolhapur, the city where they lived during wartime. All these citizens arrived at Kolhapur this afternoon and paid tributes to the soil and recalled their memories at Valivade refugee camp.
Vaibhav Nawadkar, sub-divisional officer, Karveer, Sheetal Mule, Tahsildar, Kamal Katariya, Director, Airport Authority and Sachin Jadhav welcomed the Polish citizens. All these Poles spent their childhood in refugee camp at Valivade village of Kolhapur district during 1942-1948. Some of them visited the place today and recalled their memories.
Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, Member of Parliament; Sanyogita Raje Chhatrapati, Yajnyaseni Fatehsingh Sawant, Sumitra Devi Suresh Mane, Krutika Sangram Singh Chavan and Reema Ravindra Patil welcomed the contingent in traditional way.
The high level delegation led by Marcin Przydacz, Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland will arrive in Kolhapur on Friday night. He will interact with the industrialists and businessmen in Kolhapur the next morning.
The 27 citizens, the deputy foreign minister and the members of high level committee will visit Valivade. The contingent includes 13 Polish citizens who spent their childhood at Valivade during 1942 to 1948. Various programmes have been organised on September 14 at Valivade, where these people lived during the Second World War. The memorial built in the area where the five thousand citizens lived as refugees from 1942 to 194, will be inaguarated at the hands of Marcin Przydacz. A museum will also be built in this area with the objective of helping the coming generations to know about the times and life at camp Valivade. Paintings, photographs, documents and other important articles will be displayed in the museum. The museum will be ready within a year.
“Lutha’s 72 year old memory of the bangles from Walivade”
“Lutha Maria stayed as a small girl with her mother at Valivade during 1942 to 1948. Her mother had put a bangle on her hand during the stay. She has preserved the bangle for the last 72 years. She says she continues to treasure the bangle as a memory from the land of Shahu Maharaj.
Ministry of Power
Hundred percent household electrification achieved in 25 states
2.39 crore households connected since the launch of Saubhagya scheme
The Nation has achieved yet another milestone in the power sector with completion of electrification in hundred percent household in 25 states at the year end.
Now, only about 10.48 Lakh households are left to be electrified in 4 States viz., Assam, Rajasthan, Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh. These States are also taking all concerted efforts to achieve, at the earliest, saturation of household electrification in their respective States.
The Minister of State  for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri RK Singh congratulated all these States for achieving this herculean task. Taking note of the volume of electrification work that was completed in UP, Shri Singh thanked Shri Shrikant Sharma, Energy Minister, UP during a meeting with him here today.
Since launch of Saubhagya, in the State of Uttar Pradesh 74.4 Lakh willing households have been electrified and State Government has declared saturation of all 75 districts. Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched a special campaign in all parts of the State to identify any left out un-electrified households and to provide electricity connections to such households. Under the campaign, a special vehicle ‘Saubhagya Rath’, is moving around in villages/towns and any left out households may approach them to avail electricity connection under the scheme. Also, any left out household requiring electricity connection may dial 1912 to avail the facility.
Government of India launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana’  in Sept. 2017 to achieve the goal of universal household electrification in the country by 31st March 2019. The scheme envisages to provide last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining households in rural as well as urban areas. The Government with the support of State Power Departments and DISCOMs have already connected about 2.39 Crore households since launch of scheme.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways achieved freight loading of 634.66 MT between 1st April,2023 and 31stAugust,2023 which is 13.78 MT more than the last year's corresponding period
In terms of revenue, Indian Railways earned ₹ 1 Lakh Cr. during 1st April, 2023 to 31stAugust,2023.
Indian Railways witnesses highest ever Capex Utilization in the 5 months during 1st April, 2023 to 31stAugust, 2023.
In terms of Freight loading, Indian Railways has achieved 634.66 MT during 1stApril , 2023 to 31stAugust,2023, compared to 620.88 MT over the corresponding period of last year and the revenue achieved is approx. Rs 1 Lakh Cr. Which includes revenue from Freight segment, passenger segment and other sundry revenue.
The loading of Iron Ore in the same period is 70.84 MT which is 15.56% more than 61.30 MT achieved in the corresponding period of last year.
In the same period, Pig Iron and Finished Steel loading is 28.42 MT over 26.16 MT achieved in the corresponding period of last year, which recorded a growth of 8.63%.
The loading of fertilizer in the same period is 24.13 MT over 22.25 MT achieved in the corresponding period of last year, which shows growth of 8.45%.
In the same period, Cement loading is 63.29 MT over 59.44 MT achieved in the corresponding period of last year, which shows growth of 6.48%.
The loading of Container services in the same period is 34.31 MT over 32.60 MT achieved in the corresponding period of last year, which shows growth of 5.22%.
The loading of POL in the same period is 20.59 MT over 19.91 MT achieved in the corresponding period of last year, which shows growth of 3.41%.
The loading of Coal during the same period is 311.53 MT over 305.39 MT achieved in the corresponding period of last year.
In addition to above, Automobile transportation by rail has shown a growth of 26% whereas earnings from automobile has shown a jump of 24.5%.
In month of August 23, Indian Railways loaded 126.95 MT against 119.33 MT in Aug 22, which shows a growth of 6.38%.
Indian Railways has witnessed approx. 48% Capital expenditure utilization  in the first five months of this Financial Year till August 2023. Indian Railways has made an expenditure of ₹ 1, 15,000 Crores till August 2023. This investment is seen in various infrastructure projects like New Lines, Doubling, Gauge Conversion and enhancing passenger amenities. Safety of the passengers is paramount in Railways. Significant sum has been invested in enhancing the safety related works. The Capex Utilization is approx. 54 % in comparison to the last year corresponding period.
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism hosts the eleventh webinar “an epic called India- a land of myriad stories” on the overall theme of 'Dekho Apna Desh'
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India hosted the eleventh webinar “an epic called India- a land of myriad stories” on 28th April 2020 as part of its ongoing engagement with industry and its audiences on the overall theme of 'Dekho Apna Desh' . The objective of this webinar series is to create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations of India – including the lesser known destinations and lesser known facets of popular destinations.
The Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series has been able to get some of the best tourism industry experts, City and Heritage walks practitioners, story tellers to enrich the audiences with new and never heard experiences about various destinations in India.
This webinar on 28th April 2020 was conducted by Ms. Shoba Mohan, Founder Rare India introducing the participants to destinations and experiences in India, still alive, unsullied, real including villages, hamlets and cities which have distinct colours and contrasts, traditions and heritage, history and magic where one soaks in .
Moderated by Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, the virtual meetings are part of Ministry of Tourism’s Digital India Initiative.
The National e-Governance Division  created by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology  has been playing a pivotal role in supporting the Ministry in conducting of the DekhoApna Desh Webinars by providing technical assistance directly with a professional team thereby ensuring effective citizen engagement and communication with all stakeholders using the digital experience platfor
For those who had missed these webinars, the sessions are now available on the https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzIbBmMvtvH7d6Zo_ZEHDA/featured
and also on all social media handles of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Registration for the forthcoming webinar “New Age Women in Responsible Tourism on 30th April 2020 at 11 am is now open on the Link:
https://bit.ly/WebinarNewAgeWomen